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1. How do I get a sanitary sewer permit?

Obtaining a sanitary sewer permit involves the following steps:

• Prepare a plan and/or description of the proposed work and review the permit checklist
• Complete a Sewer Permit Application
• Submit the application to the District for review
• Pick up the approved permit and pay any applicable fees

2. What are the sewer connection charges?

To view the sewer connection charges for Sanitary District No. 2, please click here. 

3. Do I need a permit?

Sanitary District No. 2 issues permits for all work on the public portion of the sewer collection system.  Work requiring a permit includes:

• Repair of an existing sewer lateral
• Installation of a new sewer lateral
• New connection to a sewer main
• Installation of a grease trap/interceptor
• Certain residential/commercial remodels that impact the sewer lateral

4. What is the private sewer lateral ordinance?

The purpose of this ordinance is to provide for the operation and maintenance of Sanitary District No. 2’s (SD2) wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities in a more safe, reliable and serviceable manner.

In 2017, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board ordered SD2 to fix damaged and deficient sanitary sewer pipes. Many pipes are in need of repair to prevent the infiltration of rainwater and groundwater, which can overwhelm the wastewater collection system and treatment plant, leading to sanitary sewer overflows in the community or discharges of partially treated wastewater into the San Francisco Bay. Improperly maintained private sewer laterals also lead to raw sewage spilling into residential areas.  

The SD2 Board adopted the Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) Ordinance No.45 at its June 4, 2018 meeting thus requiring inspection of private sewer laterals when any one of the four (4) specific triggers are met (see below). 

To get more information on the Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, please visit our PSL webpage by clicking on the following link: https://www.townofcortemadera.org/745/Private-Sewer-Lateral-Ordinance

5. How do I report a sewer emergency?

Sewer Emergencies in Your Neighborhood

If you have a public sewer emergency, such as overflow of sewage from a manhole cover, overflow of sewage from a pump station location, or smell or see sewage on the ground or coming from a creek or other waterbody, immediately call the numbers listed below. We have field crews on call to respond to emergencies. 

• MAIN PHONE - Sanitary District No. 2 (SD2) during general public hours: (628)253-1158 
• SECONDARY PHONE - Central Marin Police Authority dispatch (who will call the on-call person): (415)927-5150

Emergency calls are dispatched immediately, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Please be prepared to provide your name, phone number, address, and the cross street where the incident is taking place. 

Note that general public hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM and Fridays from 8:30AM to 12PM. 

For Private Property Sewer Emergencies

If you have a private property sewer emergency, please check the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for information before hiring a plumbing contractor. Also, make sure any plumber you hire for a private property sewer emergency is familiar with District policies and programs. You can use the District's Pre-Qualified Contractor List which contains information from contractor's with expertise in private sewer laterals in the District. 

Thank you! Your actions help us sustain public health and protect the environment.